A Brief History On April 8, 2024, I, Dr. Zar, along with my miniature dachshund, watched the solar eclipse from within the zone of totality that included my home in Ashland, Ohio. Digging Deeper The last time prior to 2024 that Ohio was within the path of totality for a solar eclipse was back in 1806 when Thomas Jefferson was President of the United States and Napoleon I was Emperor of the French. Ohio is not again expected to be within the path of totality for a solar eclipse until 2099. Question for students (and subscribers) to ponder: Have you…
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A Brief History On April 9, 2017, Dr. David Dao, age 69, found out how bad flying on commercial airlines can be when he was forcibly dragged off of a United Express jet to make room for United employees. Digging Deeper This incident shows our point, that flying commercial can be a horrible experience. Here are some more recent examples: In January 2024, a door panel blew off of a Boeing 737 while in flight, terrifying passengers and sucking property out of the jet. Christmas Eve of 2023 brought no joy to a Delta flight that had a passenger poop…
A Brief History On April 5, 2007, Hellenic Cruise Lines ship MS Sea Diamond struck a reef in the Aegean Sea and sank, taking the lives of two passengers. The Sea Diamond was 469 feet long, displaced 21,000 tons, and could carry 1,500 passengers. Some other recent cruise ship disasters may make you leery of taking a cruise, and include the incidents described below. Digging Deeper In 2010, luxury cruiser Celebrity Mercury was hit with a norovirus outbreak that left hundreds of passengers with severe vomiting and abdominal ailments. In 2012, the Costa Concordia ran aground off Italy and sank, leaving…
A Brief History On March 28, 1910, aviation history was made when French aviator, Henri Fabre, made the first take off by an airplane from water in a seaplane of his own design. Digging Deeper The aptly named Fabre Hydravion, was of the “float plane” type, an airplane equipped with floats slung underneath, as opposed to the “flying boat” type where the hull of the airplane is the floatation device on the water. Before World War II, there was a lack of suitable airfields around the world, making airplanes that could take off and land on the water versatile machines. …
A Brief History On March 27, 1998, the FDA approved Viagra, a medication to treat erectile dysfunction. Along with a host of possible negative side effects, Viagra is now often used recreationally to enhance sexual performance by men and women, by athletes who believe the drug enhances athletic performance, and by illegal drug dealers that adulterate other drugs with Viagra. Digging Deeper Endorsement ads by former Senator and Republican Presidential nominee Bob Dole and soccer legend Pele helped launch the product, and today counterfeit Viagra is readily available, although often with dangerous ingredients such as rat poison! Some other controversial…